Uber signs deal to insure app users

Taxi hailing firm Uber has rolled out an insurance policy cover for its riders to foot medical expenses in the event of an accident.

The deal comes after the US based tech firm signed a partnership deal with First Assurance to provide the accident cover, as part of efforts to enhance its customer offering.

With the insurance cover, Uber riders will get accidental medical expenses, costs while on hospital confinement, ambulance emergency as well as compensation for death or serious injury suffered by a passenger amongst others while on a trip with Uber.

Uber East Africa General Manager Loic Amado said the insurance policy took effect from 16th Oct 2017 and continues to be available to all riders using Uber as part of improving the riding experience for customers.

“The insurance coverage goes hand in hand with Uber’s commitment to build safety into our service from beginning to end,” Mr Amado said.

This is the third market in Africa for Uber to introduce the insurance cover after South Africa and Nigeria.

The cover also complements the public service vehicle (PSV) insurance that each Uber driver-partner has for their vehicles.

First Assurance managing director George Alande said such innovative products would help boost insurance penetration across the country.

“We are pleased about our partnership with Uber which will enable us to continue doing what we do best; providing insurance and quality services that create and add value to all Kenyans,” Mr Alande said.

Uber has been enhancing the security features on its app to boost rider confidene, having launched a Real-Time ID check in June.

The Real-Time ID check feature requires drivers logging on to the app to take a photo, which is then verified against Uber’s records through advanced facial recognition technology and blocked if the account isn’t verified.